The range of scales and dosing devices has diversified significantly over the past decades, and this development has not only been positive for the customer. With the introduction of products into the European market, a large number of devices manufactured in low-cost countries have entered the European market, the quality and reliability of which are not necessarily guaranteed. Lahti Precision, on the other hand, has made the decision that the assembly and testing of scales and key dosing technology delivered to demanding industrial sites must be in the hands of the company’s own experts.
Let’s let our true experts tell us with examples what stumbling blocks we can avoid with our own assembly and testing.
Timo Paalanen’s job description includes tuning and testing scales and weighing terminals. Experience in the service of Lahti Precision has been accumulated for more than 30 years.
“Although the weighing electronics we use are of very high quality, it is important to test their functionality in order to ensure the flawless operation of the scale. In addition to testing, scale terminals must also be parameterized and tuned to meet the customer’s needs. In the case of low-cost imported scales, these measures must be taken separately. The sellers of the equipment in question typically have a problem with a lack of sufficient expertise and know-how,” Paalanen says.
We have more than 100 years of experience in the design, manufacture and maintenance of scales, so we have a lot of information that we do not want to transfer outside the company. In addition, knowledge of the requirements for measurement, norms and metrological regulations provides the best opportunities to optimize our customers’ process solutions.
Commercial scales must always be first verified before commissioning
In Finland, in addition to Lahti Precision, only a few other operators have first verification rights. By maintaining initial verification rights, we ensure that we stay up-to-date with regulations related to commercial scales while maintaining our expertise.
Timo Paalanen parameterizes a weighing terminal that will be connected to a vehicle scale delivered to the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Why is a scale or dosing device designed and manufactured by a specialist usually a much better option for the customer than a device imported from cheap import countries?
An imported device usually requires a variety of procedures before it can be put into production use. A lot of time and money can be spent, and one cannot be sure of the efficient and flawless operation and durability of the device. In the case of an imported device, you cannot be sure whether it is suitable for your own purposes, premises and conditions. The availability of the right kind of spare parts can also be uncertain.
Arto Laakso works in the assembly – he has already worked for our company for over 20 years. “Production downtime and quality defects cause many problems and are costly. It is a matter of honour for us that the weighing and dosing equipment we supply works flawlessly and is efficient and durable,” he says.
Arto Laakso aligns the rollers of the belt feeder delivered to the customer.
For example, a belt feeder is designed and manufactured by us according to the customer’s needs as a turnkey delivery. It is always tested before delivery, which ensures that, for example, it is not possible to carry out a test. Weighing sensors, rollers, motors, electronics and automation work flawlessly and the customer gets the device fully operational.
The weighbridge or floor scale is also designed and manufactured according to the customer’s needs and dimensioned for existing premises and conditions – including potentially explosive ATEX facilities. If a conveyor appears on top of the scales, we test the compatibility of the equipment, sizing, etc. The weighbridge is also delivered pre-tested, tuned and, if necessary, certified for commercial use.
There are also many things to consider when designing a belt scale. The dimensions of the belt scale construction must be suitable for the purpose, whether the scale enters an explosive state, whether the structure of the scale is suitable for the material to be weighed, and whether the quality of the rollers is sufficient. When these are taken into account, a durable and reliable belt scale that is optimal for the entire process can be implemented. It is also always tested before delivery.
Our own commissioning and maintenance services ensure reliable weighing and dosing equipment
We also always recommend our customers to use the StartLAHTI commissioning service in the installation and commissioning of equipment and systems. Lahti Precision has a competent maintenance organization and we also utilize professionals from our own assembly in installation supervision and commissioning whenever necessary. We have the equipment supplier’s understanding of the need for predictive maintenance and excellent availability of spare parts, which are significant factors in preventing unforeseen production outages and quality defects.